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August/September 2023
One of the most common answers you’ll receive when you ask people about their greatest fear is public speaking. For many, speaking in front of a group feels unnatural, regardless of whether they’re talking about their interests, business, personal story, or just giving a presentation while in school. Standing in front of others is enough to make their knees buckle and shake. Although public speaking can make me nervous, depending on the situation, I still greatly enjoy speaking in front of crowds. I like to think that my background in martial arts has allowed me to become more comfortable when speaking in public. It’s a similar sensation, as you’re in the limelight and all eyes are on you. I really enjoy the thrill you get from public speaking. Before you start talking, you feel a rush of nervousness and adrenaline spread throughout your entire body, but once you start speaking, you grow more comfortable and confident. There’s nothing better than the calming sensation you experience after your speech is over. I’ve spoken in front of crowds many times during my life and have always felt reasonably comfortable, but a speech I made a few years ago caused me to become more nervous than ever before. I was asked to be the keynote speaker for the NAACP 75th banquet. This speech was different because I talked about my personal story instead of a specific topic. Walking into a room of 200–300 people, knowing that you have to give a speech about your life to all of them, can feel overwhelming. I remember seeing their heads turn and hearing the murmurs start as soon as the crowd first saw me and realized I was the keynote speaker. The nervousness started to set in as I realized that I was going to be sharing my full story with a bunch of people who had never heard it before. Even my parents hadn’t heard some of the nitty-gritty details! Once I started speaking, the nervousness melted away and I actually enjoyed talking to everyone. People approached me afterward to tell me how much they liked listening to my story. Many of them didn’t realize the extent of the challenges I faced throughout my life. I wanted to inspire those listening to the speech to live a more fulfilled life by not letting any obstacles stand in their way. I like to think that I was successful in my endeavor. If you have to make a public speech in the future, the best advice I can give you is to just do it! No matter how much public speaking experience you have, the nerves will be there, so don’t let them hold you back, especially if you’re speaking about your story or something important to you. You DON’T LET FEAR STOP YOU FROM PUBLIC SPEAKING Your Words Can Inspire Others
don’t need to be scared to share your life, journey, and interests with the world. You never know whom you will impact with your words, which is why I think it’s worth the effort to push through any nerves you feel. A few years ago, I spoke at a high school for career day. I talked to some of the students, and afterward, a teacher came up to me and told me about one of her students who was never engaged in class. Something I said spoke to him, and he told his teacher that he wanted to be a lawyer like me. My speech inspired him and gave him the confidence to start interacting more in school. Don’t let fear or nervousness stop you from sharing your story or speaking in front of a group. Your words could change someone’s life.
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Close on Your Home Confidently HOMEBUYER PITFALLS YOU WANT TO AVOID
Medical expenses have steadily risen over the years, and individuals who have undergone extensive and invasive procedures have felt the cost increase. Even with insurance and payment plans, these expenses can drain your bank account in a few short months. To combat this, many health care providers have started offering medical credit card accounts to help spread the cost over time. If a doctor, dentist, or medical specialist has recommended a pricey but necessary treatment, they may have offered to open a CareCredit or Synchrony account in your name. As tempting as it might be, you need to educate yourself about the fine print before signing up. Like everything in life, there are good and bad sides to opening a medical credit card to pay for treatment. The good side of these charge accounts is relatively apparent, and the benefits coordinator or salesperson who tries to get you to sign up will focus heavily on these positives. If approved, you can put some or all of the medical expenses on the card and pay it off over time. Most of these financing companies will offer 6–18 months of zero interest, so it can be an excellent option for people who can manage their credit and have the funds to pay it off in the allotted time. Healthy Financing or Financial Strain? IS A MEDICAL CREDIT CARD RIGHT FOR YOU?
Buying a home is often one of the most significant purchases we will make in our lives. Not only do homes cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, but they’re also the place where we’ll spend the majority of our time. Once you’ve completed the closing process for your home, there’s no turning back, so you must be absolutely sure about your decision. Buying a home is a huge step in your life, especially if it’s your first home. Unfortunately, this process doesn’t always get the attention it deserves, causing people to make easily avoidable mistakes. Below, we’ll discuss a couple of these mistakes and why it’s important to avoid them when you purchase your next home. Ignoring the inspection report. Having an inspector conduct a home inspection is highly recommended before you close on a home. Your Realtor will likely have a preferred inspector for you to hire, and you should make sure to call them. Inspections only cost a few hundred dollars but can save you much more in the long run. They’ll look over every part of the property and inform you if anything needs to be replaced or if there are any areas of concern. Once you receive your inspection report, be sure to examine it thoroughly. A good inspector will walk you through the entire report, providing guidance and advice along the way. You should also look through the report yourself. We’ve spoken with many people who wanted to sue a home inspector for missing damages, but when we look at the report, they’re on there as clear as day. Using the same Realtor as the sellers. Both parties involved in the home-buying process should have their own real estate agents. This is especially important for the buyers. Realtors make a commission when they can successfully buy or sell a home for their clients. If the Realtor represents both parties, they may push the buyer to purchase the house even if it’s not in their best interest. Too often, we’ve seen someone buy a home that went bad because they used a dual Realtor. It’s not worth the risk; hire a different real estate agent than the seller.
The problem with that interest-free period is if you miss or, in some cases, are late on a payment, the interest begins to accrue immediately. That interest is no
joke, either! It’s often upward of 25%, and once that tacks on, it will feel like you’ll never be able to pay off the account.
Another thing to remember is that these credit card companies and some medical professionals who push them only have their own interests in mind. They don’t care if you’re already in extreme debt or live off a
fixed income. Once you sign that agreement and treatment has been provided, there’s no backing out. Take some time to think about the terms of the credit contract and your other options before enrolling in a medical credit card. If you’re not in the best financial situation, it may cause more harm than good.
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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PROBATE Glad You Asked
Grilled Halibut With Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
Inspired by FoodAndWine.com
INGREDIENTS •
1 16-oz jar roasted red bell peppers, drained
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2 tsp honey
1 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Q: What is probate? A: Probate is the process of transferring the assets of the deceased to their family members. Q: How long does probate take? A: Probate administration takes approximately 12 months from start to finish, but takes longer when there is litigation. Q: Does everything transfer to the surviving spouse? A: No, but surviving spouses have special rights under Ohio law. Q: What is the role of a trusts and estates lawyer in probate administration? A: A trusts and estates lawyer assists clients in navigating the legal process of probate, ensuring the smooth transfer of assets and addressing any legal issues that may arise. Q: What is a will, and why is it important in probate administration? A: A will is a legal document that outlines how a person’s assets should be distributed after their death. It is crucial in probate administration as it provides instructions for the distribution of assets and can help streamline the process. Q: Can probate administration be avoided? A: In some cases, probate administration can be avoided through proper estate planning, such as establishing trusts or joint ownership of assets. Consulting with a trusts and estates lawyer can help determine the best strategies for avoiding or minimizing probate. Q: How are debts and taxes handled during probate administration? A: During probate administration, the deceased person’s debts and taxes
are typically paid from their estate before the assets are distributed to the beneficiaries. A trusts and estates lawyer can guide you through this process and ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations. Q: What happens if someone passes away without a will? A: When someone dies without a will, it is referred to as dying intestate. In such cases, Ohio law determines how the person’s assets will be distributed among their heirs. Consulting with a trusts and estates lawyer can help navigate the complexities of intestate succession. Q: How are disputes or conflicts among beneficiaries resolved during probate administration? A: Disputes or conflicts among beneficiaries can arise during probate administration. In such cases, a trusts and estates lawyer can provide legal counsel, mediate negotiations, or represent clients in litigation, if necessary, with the goal of reaching a fair resolution. Q: Can I serve as the executor of an estate without legal representation? A: While it is possible to serve as an executor without legal representation, it is highly recommended to seek the guidance of a trusts and estates lawyer. They can help you fulfill your fiduciary duties, navigate complex legal requirements, and minimize the risk of errors or disputes. Q: What is the cost of hiring a trusts and estates lawyer for probate administration? A: The cost of hiring a trusts and estates lawyer for probate administration can vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the estate, the attorney’s experience, and the specific services required. It is best to discuss fees and payment arrangements during the initial consultation with the lawyer.
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5 garlic cloves 1 tbsp sherry vinegar
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1/2 cup olive oil 4 6-oz skin-on halibut fillets
DIRECTIONS
1. In a food processor or blender, mix bell peppers, garlic, vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Transfer sauce to a bowl; whisk in oil. 2. Into a large plastic zipper bag, pour 1 cup of sauce; add halibut fillets and seal bag; turn to coat fillets. Let marinate in refrigerator for 20 minutes. Reserve remaining sauce for serving. 3. Preheat a grill to medium-high (400–450 F). Remove halibut from marinade; scrape off excess. 4. On oiled grill grates, arrange fillets and grill, covered, until fish flakes easily, 4–5 minutes per side. 5. Transfer fillets to serving plates or a large platter. Drizzle with reserved sauce. Serve alongside preferred veggies and crusty bread.
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INSIDE
THIS ISSUE
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Speak, Inspire, Empower
Don’t Let These Closing Mistakes Haunt You! Discover the Truth Behind Medical Credit Cards The Probate Process Explained Grilled Halibut With Roasted Red
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Pepper Sauce Take a Break
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Unleash Your Child’s Full Potential
UNLOCK A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES How Extracurricular Activities Benefit Your Kids
As children return to school in August, they’ll likely be interested in one or more extracurricular activities. Opportunities both in school and in the community are numerous, such as participating in a local play, joining a school club or sports team, and many others. Extracurricular activities are perfect for getting kids out of the house, but these ventures will also help them gain valuable experiences along with these three benefits. Improves Social Skills One of the biggest concerns parents have had since we experienced lockdowns during the pandemic is that their children struggle to communicate with others. Most of these kids were away from their peers for a year or more, which weakened their social skills. Participating in an extracurricular activity gives your kids a chance to communicate with others outside of a school setting. They’ll learn how other people think and how to best respond to certain situations. Bolsters College Applications If your child wants to attend college after high school, joining a club, team, or organization will give them a leg up on other candidates. College admissions officers love to see students who participate
in extracurricular activities because it shows they are involved in their community and possess leadership and teamwork skills. While extracurriculars are not as important as other factors for college admissions, they still play a decisive role in the college’s choice to accept your child.
Helps Them Discover Their Passions There are countless examples of kids discovering their true passion through participating in extracurricular activities. Your child might not become a professional athlete, but they might discover an alternate career path, like becoming a physical therapist or personal trainer by playing a sport. If your kid likes animals, they might find a prospective career path by volunteering at the zoo. If one activity doesn’t appeal to them, try another. Before long, you’ll find the perfect interest for your child.
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